Bangalore 10K road race granted IAAF Gold Label

Last updated: 31 March, 2010

Bangalore, Mar 31 (PTI)

The third edition of Sunfeast World 10K Bangalore event has been granted 'Gold Label' -- the highest grade in road running -- by the International Association of Athletics Federations, organisers said today

The event, scheduled on May 23, is expected to attract around 25,000 runners in six categories.Sunfeast World 10K Bangalore is the youngest 'Gold Label' race in Asia, giving India its third such event, the other two being the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon and the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.

It is the only 10km race in Asia with a Gold Label -- IAAF's highest award to road races. It is the third IAAF 'Gold Label' 10 km race in the world after the 10K run in Puerto Rico and the Bupa Great Manchester Run.

"I would like to congratulate the promoters of the Sunfeast World 10K Bangalore on joining the small and exclusive club of 10km races that have earned the IAAF's highest award to road races: the IAAF Gold Label. This is a remarkable achievement for this young race," Senior Manager Road Running - IAAF, Sean Wallace-Jones said in a release.The six categories in the event are World 10K Run for Elite Men and Women, Nations Challenge, Senior Citizens' Run and Wheelchair Event (4km), Open 10km race and Majja Run.

The winners of the Elite Men and Women -- the main draw of the event to be participated by professional long distance runners and track and field stars from around the world -- will pocket USD 21,000 each, an increase of USD 3000 from last year, while the team that wins the Nation's Challenge will be richer by Rs 4.50 lakh.

There is also a separate prize fund for Indian runners, with the winners standing to gain Rs 50,000 each, the prize money percolating down to fifth place.State athletic associations affiliated to the Athletic Federation of India and Sports Control Boards recognised by the AFI can each send a team of two men and a woman in the Nation's Challenge.

The Open 10K Run is open to serious and amateur runners, fitness enthusiasts and sports lovers, the 10km route being the same used by the elite runners.Majja Run is targeted at every Banglorean above the age of 12 who want to come out on to the roads.